Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nofenders/zbjv/~3/LyqYzH2fTmk/stork-drops-in-at-ogaras.html
Monday, 3 October 2011
VW of America says it's now profitable
Volkswagen brand sales are now in the black in the United States but VW won't say whether its manufacturing or financial services divisions are also profitable.
Juan Manuel Bordeu Slim Borgudd Luki Botha JeanChristophe Boullion
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Would you like the 2015 Toyota Supra to look like this?
 |
Toyota has been teasing us with the idea of offering a new Supra sports car for quite some time. First it was rumored that we would all see a new model in 2008, but that didn’t happen. Now, the rumor is back with a debut scheduled for sometime in 2015, after Toyota finally offers up the production version of the FT-86 for our greedy consumption.
Being since this is just a rumor, not much is known about the next Supra. Originally, people thought the Supra would be offered with two engine choices: a 5.0 liter V8 engine producing 450 HP and 383 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 350 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. Now people are claiming that the future model will actually be a hybrid sports car powered by a V6 engine with an electric motor for a total output of 400 HP and a top speed of more than 170 mph.
We’ll know more about the next Toyota Supra in due time, but for now, a fan of the model decided to render it to give people an idea of what it could look like. His concept car combines the essence of the Supra with design elements from the recently launched FT-86 sports car. The result is something we would really like to see put into production.
Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Would you like the 2015 Toyota Supra to look like this? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 1 October 2011 18:00 EST.
F1: Alonso: 2011 tyres will hurt top teams
Alonso: 2011 tyres will hurt top teams By Matt Beer Monday, February 28th 2011, 19:07 GMT Fernando Alonso says he is not in favour of the move towards less durable tyres for 2011, as he fears this will end up penalising faster cars. Related posts:- F1: Teams expect 2011 tyres test in summer Teams expect 2011 tyres test in summer By Jonathan Noble...
- F1: Cooper Avon enters race for 2011 tyres Cooper Avon enters race for 2011 tyres By Jonathan Noble...
- F1: Alonso: Passing just as hard in 2011 Alonso: Passing just as hard in 2011 By Jonathan Noble...
Source: http://doxcar.com/f1-alonso-2011-tyres-will-hurt-top-teams/
Saturday, 1 October 2011
TV/Movie Car VII CBP 'Model And Modelers' In Production!
The TV/Movie Car CBP is back with our new sequel to the TV/MC franchise...The Model And The Modelers. This will be a six month production starting on October 1, 2011 and ending on April 1, 2012. You are cordially invited to audition and to complete as many roles as you wish. While I am the Executive Producer and Director, I will also participate with my own role as well to be announced later. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask me here.
The Rules
- The model must represent a vehicle from a TV show, movie or video that is accessible through normal channels to all. Please announce your role during your audition. No what-if's!
- To be fair to all, the model must be unstarted or to be rebuilt from a disassembled model.
- Any scale except 1:1.
- Can be built from plastic, resin, or modified die-cast.
- Use aftermarket parts and accessories if desired.
- This is a six month production.
FYI
If you have never participated in one of my TV/Movie Car CBPs before, I run this like a like a TV or movie production. Please be ready to start when the Director calls for ACTION and have your role completed when the Director calls THAT'S A WRAP! The future of this franchise depends upon the success of this production. I am depending upon all actors to work together as a team!
Let the auditions begin!
The Actors
- mrmike
- Spencer1984
- F1 Starr
- avidinha
- rickr442
- Charger 01
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/977981.aspx
Fernandes extends Renault deal and adds KERS for 2012
Team Lotus has extended its engine deal to 2013, the last year of the V8 engine formula. In addition the team will have KERS for the first time next year on top of its existing deal with Red Bull Technology … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2011/09/25/fernandes-extends-renault-deal-and-adds-kers-for-2012/
AMT's Corvair kit
It looks as if every time AMT reissues its 'Vair kit, they keep including a few more stock parts and a few more custom parts. I remember building my 1st one back in the late '70s, where the only wheels you got in the kit were aluminum mags and a custom rear hood which was turned up along the back.
Then came the "Prestige" reissue, complete with stand and pen holder... the pen holder was a little over-the-top, but at least this one offered you a choice of the custom or stock hood.
The one which was out a year or two ago finally included stock hubcaps, plus a turbocharger if you wanted to build it as a Corsa. I built mine as a Monza, and painted it light metallic turquoise for the true classic 'Vair look.
Maybe the next reissue will offer a choice of dash-mounted T-shift for the automatic version instead of just the floor-mounted stick? 8-D
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/936028.aspx
Ginetta teases new sports car
British-based Ginetta has launched a new teaser website which promotes an upcoming sports car, possibly named the GXX. 
Source: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/qUZcIJnyg7s/ginetta-teases-new-sports-car
Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi
Friday, 30 September 2011
CADDY monster
took a caddy front clip and graphed it on a chevy ext cab truck. suspension i robbed out of a 4linked monster truck. scaled swampers. chevy orange and black for the Harley colors.
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/979609.aspx
Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Carlo Abate George Abecassis
Vettel set for titles aplenty
 |
?Here, after all, is a young man, already dubbed ?Baby Schumi? by Germany?s tabloid press, winning the first of what will presumably be multiple world championships, and all at the tender age of 23. Plenty of time yet to match Schumacher's incredible haul of seven world titles. And yet, their phenomenal ability to drive racing cars apart, there is little similarity between the two men. ?There are still lingering doubts over his racing ability but with such blistering qualifying pace he is nearly always leading from the front anyway. Vettel is set for multiple world championships. Just don?t call him Baby Schumi.?The Guardian?s Paul Weaver says it was difficult to begrudge Vettel his moment of glory after he won the first of what will be many world titles. He also looks back at some of the season?s highlights.
?An amazing Formula One season produced its final twist here on Sunday when Sebastian Vettel, who had never led the title race, won his first world championship. It is difficult to begrudge him his glory, for he had more poles (10) than any other driver and shared the most wins (five) with Fernando Alonso. There will be red faces as well as red cars and overalls at Ferrari, though, for deciding to bring their man in when they did, only to see him re-emerge into heavy traffic. ?Among the highlights, and every race felt like a highlight after the bore-start in Bahrain, there was that wonderful beginning to his McLaren career by Jenson Button, who won two of his first four races, even though he couldn't keep up the pace, especially in qualifying. ?Hamilton once again drove his heart out, and outperformed a car that looked a little too ordinary at times. He was superb in Montreal. Then there was Webber, the Anglophile Aussie who was the favourite among most neutrals to win the title. There was that spectacular crash when he ran into the back of Heikki Kovalainen and the most famous of his four wins, at Silverstone, when he said to his team at the end of the race: 'Not bad for a No2 driver.' ?But in the end there was only one German who mattered. It was the remarkable Vettel. This will be the first of a clutch of championships for him.?The Independent?s David Tremayne focuses on the plight of the other title contenders, writing it is easier to feel more sorry for one than the other.
?It was impossible not to feel for both Webber and Alonso. Yet while a frustrated Alonso gestured at Petrov after the race, the Australian, predictably, refused to complain about his pitstop timing. ?A world championship seemed an inevitable part of Sebastian Vettel's future, but it came a little sooner than most expected, after his recent tribulations. You wouldn't bet against several more, and if that record-breaking streak continues, perhaps even Schumacher's achievements will be overshadowed.?And the Mirror?s Byron Young elaborates further on the petulant behaviour of Fernando Alonso on his slowing down lap after his title dreams ended behind the Renault of Vitaly Petrov.
?Fernando Alonso was hurled into more controversy last night for a wild gesture at the former Lada racer who cost him the title. But the Spaniard brushed off accusations he gave Russian Vitaly Petrov the finger for ruining his title hopes by blocking him for 40 laps as they duelled over sixth place. "The Ferrari ace was caught on television cruising alongside the Renault driver on the slowing down lap and gesticulating from the cockpit. Petrov was unrepentant: "What was I supposed to do? Just get out of his way, pull to the side? I don't think that is how we race. It was important for the team for me to get points."
Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/11/vettel_set_for_titles_aplenty_1.php
Help with HOK paints
I need some info from the guys and gals that have experience with the HOK paints. I’ve read around the forum that Plasticote primer and Duplicolor clear can be used with HOK. If so, what part # would I need to get for each? I was on the TPC Global site earlier and they have a huge selection of HOK in 4 oz. bottles. I’m working on a Revell 1/25 1965 Chevy pickup truck and trying to decide on what color I want to paint it. I’ve about settled on the scheme I want. I have an Eastwood dual action gravity feed airbrush but I have only ever used Testors and Tru-match Nascar colors. Is there a big learning curve with the HOK paints? What thinner do I need to clean my airbrush, just some good automotive lacquer thinner? Spraying the basecoat is fairly straightforward, correct? It comes in a 4 oz($10.95) pour and spray bottle. What about the KF03 Silver to Green kameleon? It comes in a 4 oz ready to spray bottle($24.95). Do I need to have some reducer on hand if it doesn't spray properly? I would love to see it on a car. Should I try just a kandy color($10.95) to start with rather than the flip-flop paint to get a feel for how it lays down? What about metal flake? Will my airbrush tip(.3mm) easily spray the .2mm hex flakes or find some smaller flakes? Do I mix the flakes with the color coat or the first couple layers of clear? If it is in the clear, then I need to order the HOK clear, correct? What about the dry powders? Do they mix with color layer or the clearcoat? Has anyone used their marbilizer? If so, post some pics. I would like to see how it looks on a model. Also some details about applying it. I know this is a lot to ask at one time, but I would really appreciate some help from the more experienced modelers familiar with the HOK. I have to watch my pennies and don’t want to make a huge mistake. Thanks again, Mark PS-I would love to see some models painted with HOK.
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/978328.aspx
'The point of no confidence is quite near'
 The wreckage of Jochen Rindt's car at Barcelona |
?Colin. I have been racing F1 for 5 years and I have made one mistake (I rammed Chris Amon in Clermont Ferrand) and I had one accident in Zandvoort due to gear selection failure otherwise I managed to stay out of trouble. This situation changed rapidly since I joined your team. ?Honestly your cars are so quick that we would still be competitive with a few extra pounds used to make the weakest parts stronger, on top of that I think you ought to spend some time checking what your different employes are doing, I sure the wishbones on the F2 car would have looked different. Please give my suggestions some thought, I can only drive a car in which I have some confidence, and I feel the point of no confidence is quite near.?A little more than a year later Rindt's Lotus suffered mechanical breakdown just before braking into one of the corners. He swerved violently to the left and crashed into a poorly-installed barrier, killing him instantly.
Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/09/the_point_of_no_confidence_is.php
Thursday, 29 September 2011
BIKES: Bloor And Bimota
Straightforward and simple, the appeal of the Bloor Bimota's has less to do with what it is, and more to do with what it isn't.
Source: http://motorcycling.speedtv.com/article/bikes-bloor-and-bimota/
Saying goodbye to Europe
Welcome to this week's blog, the final blog from a European race for 2011, which feels very strange indeed.
I can scarcely believe I'm writing that; where is my life disappearing to?
Firstly, let me apologise for the lack of a blog after the Belgian Grand Prix.
The only holiday I've managed to grab this season was the week after Spa and I would have been in serious trouble with Harriet, my wife, if I'd spent the first of our five days away writing a blog.
Anyway, back to last weekend, and the end of my love affair with a truck for another season. OK, you're probably thinking a love affair with a lorry is rather strange, but it's more than that, it's our European home.
You see, for the grands prix that are referred to as 'fly-away' - the long-haul races outside Europe, that is - the circuits provide the hospitality suites for the teams and the production offices for the television stations.
It is essentially to cut down on costs so the huge team 'paddock palaces' aren't transported the other side of the world.
But at the European races, we take a truck, which we occupy from the first European race in Spain to the last one in Monza.
It's a dressing room, edit suite, production offices and kitchen all rolled into one. It has even been known to accommodate the odd overnight stay if someone's working particularly hard and late in Monaco and can't face the drive back to our hotel on the way to Nice.
But now our European adventure is at an end for another year and so it was with a heavy heart on Sunday evening that we waved off Pete D'Lemos and the trusty silver truck he looks after; we'll see him next in Spain in eight months.
It feels like two minutes since I walked into that truck for the very first time in 2009. It was the same one ITV had been using, but their presenter Steve Rider's office had been turned into an edit suite so I couldn't quite say I was walking in his shoes.
Talking of getting his job, remarkably it is three years ago this week that the then BBC head of F1 Niall Sloane offered me the chance to be the presenter, and what a learning curve it has been.
I can still remember the fear and apprehension as I walked into the F1 paddock in Australia for the first time, and the nerves as I started listening to 'The Chain' down my earpiece, hoping the words would come out in the right order.
The good news is that doing this job never becomes 'normal' or mundane and I still cherish every moment.
For that reason, I asked someone to follow me with a camera this weekend as in years to come I'll fondly look back on what it was like to share the pit lane with Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard as a 30-something guy, lucky enough to see the world and follow the sport I love.
I managed to capture Paul di Resta's Force India while taking this shot of the Monza track from a gate near the pits
I've posted a selection of pictures with this blog. Have a look through and see what you think. The one I'm most proud of is the one directly above - and it doesn't actually feature much apart from a big silver gate!
You see, one of the oddities of this job is that I very rarely see a car actually on the track.
We must be out of the pit lane with 15 minutes to go before qualifying and the race and so by the time the cars are track I'm in the paddock and there is nothing to see.
An hour before we go on air and Eddie Jordan, Ted Kravitz and I have to cram ourselves between Ferrari and McLaren's motorhomes to get our gear on for the show
One of the most common requests I get is from people who have tickets to the race asking to get into the paddock. I tell them they would soon be bored of sitting around drinking coffee and would see more in the grandstand.
Anyway, in Monza on Sunday, I walked out of the paddock and along the back of the garages and the photo is testament to how tricky it is even for me to get to the track during the action - I always say that in front of the TV you get the best seat in the house and this is proof!
And why am I so proud of the photo? Well, Paul di Resta's Force India is passing by me at full speed and somehow I managed to press the button at just the right time - trust me, it was far more luck than judgement.
Talking of luck, some people may well think that Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has had his fair share of it over the course of the year, but perhaps in Monza he finally put the doubters to bed by doing something a few were questioning - pulling off a cracking overtake!
Vettel knew he had to get past Fernando Alonso's Ferrari for his race strategy to work, he managed it really early on, then delivered the lap times and the consistency to take another win.
I think that perhaps it was the race that finally broke his challengers and since then we've seen a few of Seb's rivals declare that he has now won the title.
Spa and Monza were the races where McLaren and Ferrari were expecting to challenge Red Bull, but Vettel won both. As for Seb's team-mate, Mark Webber, well, he only managed to collect 18 points to Vettel's 50.
So, with that in mind we had a meeting back at BBC HQ on Wednesday to discuss how we tackle the Singapore race weekend.
Our mantra is 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail'. With that in mind, we need to fly into Singapore fully ready to do justice to Vettel if he manages to win the title there.
I always enjoy Singapore. And if you want to read about how strange it is for us as a production team, as we stay on European time, which is eight hours behind where we are, my blog from 2009 will tell you about the perils of trying to get dinner when the city is asleep.
Before I sign off, I'm sure that there will be plenty of people reading this who are keen to know about our plans for the 2012 F1 coverage.
As soon as there is something concrete to announce, I know that the BBC will do that. However, I can tell you I am committed to helping the BBC make its F1 coverage next year as compelling as it has been for the last three years.
And thanks for your continued loyalty - all 5.8m of you who watched the race with us on Sunday.
Jake.
Lee McKenzie looks on as EJ and I check comms. It involves talking to each other while the team in the gallery talk at the same time to make sure the sound levels are workable
Roger Bines, our rigger, is our unsung hero. We wouldn't be on air without him and I've spent the past three years with him in the pit lane. He retired after 15 years in F1 on Sunday. We'll miss you, Rog!
Two minutes to on-air and Rob Smedley, Felipe Massa's race engineer, pops over to say hello and have a chat.
Post-race and I am busy noting down the race finishing order, the championship standings and any other notes I need close at hand for 45 minutes of unscripted, unplanned post-race analysis
I love this snap.. Eddie Jordan doing what he does best... having an opinion!
Whil you at home are watching the top three drivers' interviews, we decamp to the paddock, where Toro Rosso's Jaime Algersuari pops over to see what we thought of his charge into the points
This photo sums up the job for me, and I love it. The team, all four of us, owning the paddock as we go looking for stories. On screen it just seems to flow
The last photo I took on my way out of the circuit. The Monza banking is a reminder of how much has gone before us, and that F1 will continue to evolve long after we've left
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jakehumphrey/2011/09/saying_goodbye_to_europe.html
Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis
Jean Alesi on Indy: ?I don?t want to look ridiculous??
Jean Alesi is convinced that his return to top flight racing with Lotus at the 2012 Indy 500 is the right decision. The Frenchman, whose last GP was in Japan in 2001, joked that he wanted to do well because … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2011/09/23/jean-alesi-on-indy-i-dont-want-to-look-ridiculous/
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
BIKES: California Superbike School At Miller Motorsports Park
Neale Bayly visits the California Superbike School.
1969 Dodge Charger "Hawaiian" NHRA Funny Car - WIP
Hello all! First off I just wanted to say that although I haven't posted much, I've been reading posts and taking inspiration from so many people on these forums. Thanks to all the vets who have helped me take my modeling further. As a result of this, I am entering my first contest at the end of October. I've decided to try to get two models ready (hopefully). The priority is a box stock '69 Hawaiian Funny Car from the Revell kit. I picked it up yesterday at my LHS, which is also where the contest will be. Along with the Charger I picked up an AMT '62 Impala (the other entry). And some paint. And the August issue of Scale Auto that I missed. And a brush. Ugggh what an expensive hobby! On the plus side, the owner of the shop threw in a Speed Racer Mach 5 by Nothern Lights because he hadn't been able to sell it. Free models are sweet!
As soon as I got home I got to work on the Charger. The first step I always start with is the engine. I like that it can be started and finished in a single afternoon/night. I brush paint all of the engine since I don't have an airbrush. After painting all the engine pieces I got to work on the chassis on the body. I removed everything that was going to be painted the metallic blue from the sprues. After hours and hours and hours of sanding and removing ejector marks etc, everything is pretty much ready to be painted. The body will only be primered for now as I am going to follow Chuck Kourouklis' advice from his build in the August issue and fill in the roof hatch that is not supposed to be on the Hawaiian. I also got to work on the drag slicks to make them look more realistic.
Question: Should I sand the treads on the front tires like I did with the back slicks? Maybe just a little bit?
Anyways, here's a few photos. Sorry they are terrible, but my camera is garbage. All of the chassis/roll cage components you see will be painted metallic blue. The interior tub will be aluminum, The wheels are also going to be painted to their appropriate color. All of these parts will be spray bombed.
A before and after of the rear slicks
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/979243.aspx
Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi
Caterham launches new CTI standalone company; New models to follow
| |
Caterham has announced the launch of a new standalone engineering business, Caterham Technology and Innovation Limited (CTI). The new company will develop a completely new line of accessible and affordable sportscars inspired by the lightweight, minimalist philosophy of the Seven. The new models will use technologies and materials from the Group?s Team Lotus Formula One and Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 motorsport operations. Also, CTI will work at advanced projects from both automotive and aerospace sectors.
"The new shareholders are committed to investing in an exciting range of global products over the next 10 years," says Mark Edwards, CTI’s Chief Executive. "Tony Fernandes has been very clear from the start that Caterham needed a sustainable research and development business model in order to meet the plans the management have for the road car business. By establishing unique operating principles for CTI, we have managed to attract a world-class team of niche vehicle engineers eager to build on the ethos of Caterham and the DNA of the Seven."
Caterham launches new CTI standalone company; New models to follow originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 09:00 EST.
JeanChristophe Boullion Sebastien Bourdais Thierry Boutsen Johnny Boyd
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Button Steps Up Pre Season Training With Lance Armstrong
Jenson Button teamed up with record breaking cyclist Lance Armstrong, as he continues to prepare for another Formula One season. The McLaren driver excitedly tweeted that he would be riding with Armstrong, the 7 time Tour de France winner, in Hawaii. Armstrong responded via Twitter “I hope he doesn’t ride as srong as he drives [...]
Source: http://f1fanatics.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/button-steps-up-pre-season-training-with-lance-armstrong/
Q1 Vettel leads Button and Hamilton
Sebastian Vettel led the way in Q1 qualifying with the Red Bull driver ahead of the McLarens of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. With Fernando Alonso fourth and Mark Webber fifth the chances of Vettel wrapping up the World Championship on Sunday are slim indeed. Sixth overall was Nico Rosberg ahead of Sergio Perez, Felipe [...]
Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/q1-vettel-leads-button-and-hamilton/
Piero Carini Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto
Fall Guy / 84 GMC rear lights wanted
Anybody got 2 rear light lenses from the Fall Guy or Ertl 84 GMC pick up ?
Seem to have lost mine
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/979551.aspx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)